Sabbath - School

Lesson Quarterly

[Entered as second-class matter. October 13,1904, at the Post-office in

Mountain View, Cal., under the Act of Congress of

March 3, 1879]

No. 63



Mountain View, Cal., January, 1911



Five Cents

Lessons on

The Book of Acts

For Senior Division

First Quarter 1911



January to March

Published by

Pacific Press Publishing Association

Mountain View,. California

ebe

abbatD *pi

Morita

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Sabbath-School Lessons on the

BOOK OF ACTS

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

The book of Acts is the most remarkable church history ever

written; one which is full of lessons for the remnant people.

"The great work of the gospel is not to close with less mani-

festation of the power of God than marked its opening. The

prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former

rain at the opening of the gospel, are again to be fulfilled in

the latter rain at its close."—"Great

Controversy," page 611.

That the author was Luke is acknowledged by nearly all Bible

students. He was probably a Greek. He was a physician,— a pro-

fession of honor among the Greeks. Jerome speaks of him as "a,

physician of Antioch." He was doubtless a well-educated ma

and of a lovable and modest disposition. He is called "the

beloved physician." He does not mention his own name in the

book.

It is commonly thought that the book was written

about A.D.

63, as the narrative breaks off suddenly at the end of Paul's

first imprisonment at Rome. It is generally believed that the

book was written at Rome, as the author mentions his arrival

at Rome (Acts 28:16), and does not mention his departure. This

is not conclusive however.

Well might the book be called the "Acts of the Holy Spirit."

The Holy Spirit is mentioned seventy-one times. It is a con-

tinuous record of a great spiritual revival accomplished by the

superhuman power of the Holy Spirit through ordinary men.

The missionary lessons of this book ought to stir the church

to-day to such activity as it has not yet experienced. Everything

is ' ready for the quick finishing of the gospel work. What is

needed is apostolic supplications, the forsaking of sins, and Pente-

costal power.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

LESSON I.— Ascension of Christ; Tarrying at

Jerusalem

JANUARY 7, 1911

LESSON SCRIPTURE:

Acts 1.

LESSON. HELPS: "Testimonies for the Church," volume 8,

pages 19-23;

Sabbath School Worker.

(Those who have the old

volumes of the "Spirit of Prophecy," now out of print, will

find volume 3 a lesson help through all the quarter.)

PLACES: Bethany and Jerusalem.

TIME: A.D. 31. Note 1.

PERSONS: Jesus, apostles, and disciples.

Questions

PROMISE OF THE FATHER

Who is the author of the book of Acts? What

was his purpose in writing ? Acts 1: 1; Luke 1: 3.

Note 2.

Of what had he formerly written? Acts 1: 1, 2.

Note 3.

How long was Jesus on earth after His resur-

rection? What did He do during this time? Verse 3.

Note 4.

What did He direct His disciples to do, and what

was promised ? Verses 4, 5.

What question shows that the disciples still clung

to their national hope? What was Jesus' answer?

Verses 6, 7.

What did He promise them that was far better?

Verse 8. Note 5.

From what place and under what circumstances

did Jesus ascend? Luke 24 : 50, 51; Acts 1: 9, 12.

Note 6.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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8: What promise was made to the disciples just

after the ascension? By whom was the promise made?

Verses 10, 11.

9. What, then, will be the manner of Christ's sec-

ond coming ? Verse 11; Matt. 24 : 30; 1 Thess. 4: 16;

Rev. 1 : 7.

SEASON OF SUPPLICATION

10.

Who tarried in Jerusalem, and in what place?

Acts 1 : 13.

11.

What did they do ? Verse 14. Note 7.

12.

If this course was necessary for those who re-

ceived the "former rain," what should those do who

expect• the "latter rain"? Note 8.

CHOOSING AN APOSTLE

13.

What became of Judas Iscariot ? Matt. 27 : 5, '

7, 8 ; Acts 1 : 18, 19.

14.

To what scriptures did Peter refer concerning

the treachery of Judas and the appointment of his

successor? Verses 15-17, 20; Ps. 69 : 25; 109 : 8.

15.

What did Peter suggest should be done? Acts

1 : 21, 22.

16.

Who was chosen, and how ? Verses 23-26.

Note 9.

Notes

1. No attempt will be made in these lessons to give exact

chronological data for the various events. Chronologists are not

agreed. The events of this quarter's study begin with the as-

cension of Christ and extend to the great persecution that fol-

lowed the death of Stephen. The former event we understand

to have occurred in A.D. 31. The "New Standard Dictionary"

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

gives the date of Paul's conversion, which occurred in the time

of the persecution referred to, as A.D. 34.

"That the author of the book of Acts is the same as

that of the third Gospel, js evident from several considerations:

from the address to Theophilus, and the reference to a previous

treatise similarly addressed; . . . from the strong resem-

blance in the style of the two books; from the parallelisms par-

ticularly noticeable in the description of the shipwreck in Acts

and the storm on the Sea of Galilee in the Gospel; from in-

timations, slight, and yet noticeable, of the author's knowledge

of disease and his use of medical terms; . . . and from the

fact that Luke, who describes himself as the traveling companion

of Paul even to Rome itself, is several times referred to by Paul

as being with him in Rome. . . . That the author of both

is Luke is the universal testimony of antiquity."—

Abbott's

Commentary, Acts.

The work of Christ in carrying out the plan of salvation

may be divided into two parts, His work on earth in person, and

His work from heaven through the Holy Spirit. What He "began

both to do and teach" while here, He continues to do through

His church endowed with the Holy Spirit. Some one speaks of

this book as "the second part of the Acts of Jesus." The

following references show this to be true: Acts 3:6, 16; 7:59;

9:5, 34; 10:13-15; 12:11; 18:9; 23:11. The book has also

been called the "Acts of the Holy Spirit."

What precious seasons must have been the interviews of

the disciples with their risen Lord during those forty days!

Doubtless He explained many things to them which they could

only understand in the light of the resurrection, and endeavored

especially to make plain the part they were to act in making

Him known to the world.

They were to be witnesses, not princes, witnessing to the

crucifixion (Acts 2:36), resurrection (1:22), and coming (1:11)

of Christ. Note the extent of the work —"unto the uttermost

part of the earth." At that command, when they understood

it, they gave their means, their strength, and their lives to

carrying the gospel message into all the known world. To us

now comes the same command, to carry the last gospel message

to every nation and tongue. And the same power is promised

from on high.

A Sabbath day's journey was, according to the Talmud, two

thousand cubits, or three fourths of a mile.

"All who were fully identified as disciples of Christ and

associated with the apostles as evangelists, assembled together

at Jerusalem. They put away all differences. They continued

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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with one accord in prayer and supplication, that they might re-

ceive the fulfilment of the promise of the Holy Spirit; for they

were to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the Spirit

and in the power of God."—"

Gospel Workers,'' page 370.

"This is the very course that should be pursued by 'those

who act a part in the work of proclaiming the coming of the

Lord in the clouds of heaven; for a people are to be prepared

to stand in the great day of God. Although Christ had given

the promise to His disciples that they should receive the Holy

Spirit, this did not remove the necessity of prayer. They prayed

all the more earnestly; they continued in prayer with one accord.

Those who are now engaged in the solemn work of preparing a

people for the coming of the Lord, should also continue in

prayer."—"Gospel

Workers," pages 370, 371.

"Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect

unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place,

that the Spirit was poured out. They were of one accord. All

differences had been put away."—"

Testimonies for the

Church,"

volume 6, page 20.

Not only were the believers putting away their sins and

praying for the descent of the Spirit, but they were facing the

great work for which the Spirit was to be given, and proceeded

to transact such business as was necessary for carrying out

their mission.

LESSON II.— The Holy Spirit Given

JANUARY 14, 1911

LESSON SCRIPTURE:

Acts 2:1-21.

LESSON HELPS: "Testimonies for the Church," volume 7,

pages 30-33;

Sabbath School Worker.

PLACE : Jerusalem.

TIME: Pentecost, L.D. 31, about ten days after the ascension.

PERSONS: Peter and other disciples of Christ; the multitude.

Questions

BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT

1. On what day were the united prayers of the

believers answered? Acts 2:1. Note 1.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

What remarkable manifestation was seen?

Verses 2, 3.

What was the result to the disciples? What

did they do ? Verse 4. Note 2.

THE MULTITUDE HEAR IN THEIR OWN TONGUES

When the news of what had taken place was

spread abroad, what occurred? Verse 6.

How many nations were represented there ?

Verses 5, 9-11.

How were the people affected by these mani-

festations? Verses 6-8, 12, 13.

PETERS EXPLANATION

Who spoke for the apostles in explaining the

phenomenon and in preaching the gospel? Verse 14.

How did he refute the charge of drunkenness?

Verse 15.

What was the explanation ? Verse 16.

10.

Give the substance of Joel's prophecy. Verses

17-21.

THE CLOSING MESSAGE

11.

How is God's last message to sinful men co be

given ? Rev. 14: 9; 18 : 1; Joel 2: 23. Note 3.

12.

To how many does Joel's prophecy apply? Acts

2 : 39. Note 4.

13.

What are those who have the closing gospel mes-

sage, counseled to do ? Rev. 3: 18. Note 5.

Notes

1. The day of the week on which that memorable Pentecost

fell has been a subject of much interest. Though the question

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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has absolutely nothing

to do with determining what day is the

Christian Sabbath, it will be of interest to know the facts. The

day on which Pentecost was celebrated depends altogether upon

the day of the week on which the Passover fell on any given

year. The Passover lamb was to be killed on the evening of the

14th of Nisah, and beginning with the 15th day unleavened

bread was eaten for seven days. The first and seventh days of

the feast were sabbaths, in which no servile work should be done.

Ex. 12:6, 15, 16; Lev. 23: 5-7. On the morrow after this first

sabbath — the 16th -- the wave-sheaf (or "ombr," margin) of

the first-fruits was offered to the Lord, and from this day they

were to count fifty days to Pentecost. Lev. 23:10, 11, 15, 16.

Jesus was crucified on Friday (Luke 23:54), and ate the

Passover with His disciples the evening before (Luke 22: 7-15),

which would be the 14th. Sabbath therefore was the 16th of

Nisan, and fifty days would bring Pentecost that year on the

Sabbath.

There has been much discussion over the question of whether

Jesus did not eat the Passover one day before the regular time,

so that He would be crucified on the day on which the typical

lamb was slain. "The question,

on what day of the week this

Pentecost fell, must of course be determined by the mode in which

the doubt is solved regarding the day [of the month] .on which

the Last Supper was eaten. If it was the legal paschal supper,

on the 14th of Nisan, and the Sabbath during which our Lord

lay in the grave was the day of the omer, Pentecost must have

followed on the Sabbath. But if the supper was eaten on the

13th, and He was crucified on the 14th, the Sunday of the

resurrection must have been the day of the omer, and Pentecost

must have occurred on the first day of the

week."—"Smith's

Bible Dictionary," article "Pentecost."

Andrews, after considering all the evidences on this question,

concludes tha

t Jesus ate the Passover at the regular time and was

crucified on the 15th. ("Life of our Lord," page 460.) With

him agree Edersheim, Neander, Burton and Matthews, Hastings's

Bible Dictionary, and many other authorities. Ti

s seems to

be the only position the Scripture warrants.

2. This was the baptism of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus.

It filled the room, and it filled and took possession of the believers.

"On the day of Pentecost the Infinite One revealed Himself in

power to the church. By His Holy Spirit He descended from the

heights of heaven as a rushing, mighty wind, to the room in

which the disciples were assembled. It was as. if for ages this

influence had been held in restraint, and now heaven rejoiced in

being able to pour upon the church the riches of the Spirit's

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

power. And, under the influence of the Spirit, words of penitence

and confession were mingled with songs of praise for sins for-

given. Words of thanksgiving and of prophecy were heard. All

heaven bent low to behold and to adore the wisdom of matchless,

incomprehensible Love. Lost in wonder, the apostles and dis-

ciples exclaimed, 'Herein is love.' 1 John 4:10. They grasped

the imparted gift. And what followed? — Thousands were con-

verted in a day. The sword of the Spirit, newly edged with

power, and bathed in the lightnings of heaven, cut its way

through

unbelief."—"Testimonies for the Church," volume 7,

page 31.

"The work will be similar to that of the day of Pentecost.

As the 'former rain' was given, in the outpouring of the Holy

Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause the upspringing of

the precious seed, so the 'latter rain' will be given at its close,

for the ripening of the harvest. . . . The great work of the

gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of

God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were ful-

filled in the outpouring of the foriner rain at the opening of the

gospel, are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close.

. . . Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining

with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to pro-

claim the message from Heaven. By thousands of voices, all over

the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought,

the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will folloW the

believers. Satan also works with lying wonders, even bringing

down fire from heaven in the sight of men. Thus the inhabitants

of the earth will be brought to take their stand."—"Great

Con-

troversy," pages 611, 612.

"Why has the history of the work of the disciples, as they

labored with holy zeal, animated and vitalized by the Holy Spirit,

been recorded, if it is not that from this record the Lord's people

to-day are to gain an inspiration to work earnestly for Him,

What the Lord did for His people in that time, it is just as

essential, and more so, that He do for His people to-day. All

that the apostles did, every church-member to-day is to do. And

we are to work with as much more fervor, to be accompanied

by the Holy Spirit in as much greater measure, as the increase of

wickedness demands a more decided call to repentance."—"Testi-

monies for the Church," volume

page 33.

" The Spirit awaits our demand and reception."—"Christ's

Object Lessons," page 131.

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•

"Already many are receiving the Holy Spirit, and no

longer will the way be blocked by listless indifference."—"Testi-

monies for the Church," volume

page 33.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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LESSON

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Christ and Him Crucified

JANUARY 21, 1911

LESSON SCRIPTURE : Acts 2:22-47.

LESSON HELPS:

Sabbath School Worker.

Questions

PETER'S ARGUMENT

1. Having explained the manifestations of the

Holy Spirit, whom did Peter at once set forth as

the theme of his discourse? What evidence had been

given that Jesus was the Messiah ? Acts 2 : 22.

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•

What, however, had the Jews done ? Of what

was this a fulfilment ? Verse 23 ; 3 : 18.

What gteat truth was then stated ? Acts 2 : 24.

Give the substance of the scripture quoted to

prove this. Verses 25-28 ; Ps. 16 : 8-11.

How does this prove the resurrection ? Acts 2 :

29-31, 34 (first clause). Note 1.

What other evidence of the resurrection did

Peter present 1 Verse 32.

What third proof

,was given ?

Verse 33.

With what scripture did he prove the exaltation

of Christ? Verses 34, 35; Ps. 110:1. Note 2

What Was the conclusion of Peter's argument ?

Acts 2 : 36.

THE EXHORTATION

10.

What was the effect of the sermon on the peo-

ple ? Verse 37.

11.

What were they exhorted to do, and with what

assurance? Verse 38.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

12.

How many may receive forgiveness of sin and

the gift of the Holy Spirit?, Verse 39.

13.

What was the burden of the invitation that day?

Verse 40.

, A HARVEST OF

SOULS

14.

What result followed this effort? Verse 41.

Note 3.

15.

What spirit did these early Christians manifest?

What did they do? Verses 41, 42, 46. Note 4.

16.

How were the temporal wants of all supplied?

Verses 44, 45. Note 5.

17.

What was the attitude of the people toward this

work, and with what results was it continued? Verses

43, 47.

Notes

If the righteous receive their reward at death, Peter's

argument proves nothing. But David's body had been left in

hades,

or the grave; so the text must refer to Christ, who was

resurrected.

In this reference we have allusion to two ancient customs,

one that of kings' placing on their right those for whom the

highest honors were intended (1 Kings 2:19), and the other

of conquerors' treading on the neck of their vanquished foes as

a symbol of complete subjection. See Phil. 2:5-11.

This was doubtless a fulfilment of Jesus' promise to His

disciples in John 14:2. "A work similar to that which the

Lord did through His delegated messengers after the day of

Pentecost He is waiting to do

to-day."—"Testimonies for the

Church," volume 7, page 33.

As disciples, or learners, they studied the doctrines or

teachings perseveringly. This, with the ordinances and prayer-

meetings, bound them together in Christian fellowship, and built

them up. All this was a willing and joyful service.

There were doubtless great numbers from all over the

world, away from their usual means of support, who wanted to

become more thoroughly instructed in the Christian life before

returning home. Having consecrated

all

to God, those who had

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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property voluntarily turned it into money to meet this need.

There seems to have been no holding of property in common, or

public ownership. Private ownership of property did not cease

among Christians. See Acts 12:12. Every able-bodied man was

charged with the duty of supporting his own household; and to

fail of this through neglect, was a denial of the faith. 1 Tim.

5 : 8. But in cases of need and distress, every believer is a

steward of God; and when the cause of Christ suffers need, no

believer can say that aught that he has is his own.

LESSON IV.— A Multitude Converted; the Lame.

.Man Healed

JANUARY 28, 1911

LESSON SCRIPTURE:

Acts 3.

LESSON HELPS:

Sabbath School Worker.

PLACE: The temple at ,1 erusalem.

PERSONS

Peter, John, a lame man, the people.

Questions

HEALING THE LAME MAN

What were the time and occasion of the events

of this lesson? Acts 3: 1.

Describe the beggar at , the temple entrance.

Verses 2, 7 ; 4 : 22. Note 1.

In what way was the physical condition of this

man like the spiritual condition of every sinner ?

What occurred when Peter and John came where

this man was ? Acts 3 : 3-8. Note 2.

How were the people affected by this miracle?

What did they do ? Verses 9-11.

THROUGH FAITH IN HIS NAME

Who spoke to the people? What point did he

first make plain ? Verse 12.

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SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

How did he contrast what they had done to

Jesus, and what God had done for the lame man?

Verses 13-15.

What title is here applied to Jesus? Verse 15.

Compare John 1 : 4; 5 : 26; 11: 25; 2 Tini. 1 : 10.

By whom and how did Peter say the miracle had

been wrought? Acts 3: 16. Note 3.

10.

How did Peter show his willingness to excuse

the guilt of those who crucified Christ? Verse 17.

11.

Of what did he say the suffering of Christ was

a fulfilment? Verse 18.

EXHORTATION TO REPENTANCE

12.

What did Peter admonish his hearers to do?

Why should they do this? Verses 19, 20. Note 4.

13.

Until what time did he say ,Jesus would remain

away ? Verse 21.

14.

How were the admonition, and the results of not

heeding it, enforced upon their minds? Verses 22-25.

15.

What special privilege had been accorded them?

For what purpose did God send Jesus? Verse 26.

Notes

I. It is not certain which of the several gates belonging to

the temple is meant, but probably the magnificent doors of Cor-

inthian brass described by josephus, which led from the Gentile

court to the court of the women. It is said that the folds of

this gate were seventy-five feet high and sixty feet broad, and

were covered with plates of gold and silver.

"This unfortunate man had long desired to go to Jesus and

be healed; but he was almost helpless, and was removed far

from the scene of the great Physician's labors. Finally his

earnest pleadings induced some kind persons to bear him to the

gate of the temple. But upon arriving there he discovered that

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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the Healer upon whom his hopes were centered, had been put to

a cruel death."—"Spirit

of Prophecy," volume 3, page 275.

Every one who has received Christ in the heart has some-

thing of infinitely more value to give than silver or gold. And

it is a law of the kingdom that these precious blessings must be

continually given away to be retained.

"I. Faith performs the miracle (Peter and John). II.

Faith experiences the miracle (the lame man). III. Faith com-

prehends the miracle (the believing hearers)."—Lange.

Daniel the prophet had written of the solemn scene, just

before the coming of Christ, when the Ancient of Days should

sit in judgment and the books of heaven be opened. Dan. 7:

9, 10. Before this tribunal every case was to come; and Peter

exhorted his hearers to make sure work for that great day. And

now that, in the closing days of our own generation, the judg-

ment hour is fast passing, when the record of sin will be blotted

out, or the names be blotted out, how urgent the same call to

repentance! Note some of the promises for this time of judg-

ment, and of refreshing by the latter rain. See Rev. 2:7, 10, 11.

The time of the latter rain is also the shaking time. While those

who seek God shall increase in strength, the careless and con-

tentious and unconsecrated will be shaken out of the ranks of

God's people.

LESSON V.— The Trial of Peter and John

FEBRUARY 4, 1911

LESSON SCRIPTURE:

Acts 4:1-31.

LESSON HELPS:

Sabbath School Worker.

PLACES: Prison, temple, hall of the Sanhedrin, and private

meeting place in the city.

PERSONS: Jewish rulers, Peter, John, lame man who was

healed, company of Christians.

Questions

PETER AND JOHN BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN

1. Who interrupted the preaching of Peter in

Solomon's porch? Acts 4 : 1.

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•

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

2. Why did they do this? Verse 2. Note 1.

3. What was done to the apostles ? How did their

words affect the people ? Verses 3, 4.

4. Before whom were the apostles brought next

day ? Verses 5-7. Note 2.

5. What question was asked them ? Verse 7.

6. Who answered, and with what power? Verse

8. Note 3.

7. What was his answer to their question? Verses

9, 10.

S. What familiar illustration was used to show

the position of Christ ? Verse 11; Ps. 118: 22.

What sweeping statement was made concerning

the plan of salvation ? Acts 4 : 12.

DECISION OF THE COUNCIL

10.

What was a cause of wonder to the council

How was it explained ? Verse 13. Note 4.

11.

What prevented them from carrying out their

real desire ? Verses 14-16, 21.

12.

What did they do ? Verses 17, 18, 21.

13.

How did the apostles answer their demands?

Verses 19, 20. Note 5.

A VICTORIOUS PRAYER-MEETING

, 14. On being released, what did the apostles do?

Verse 23.

15.

Of what scripture did the believers recognize

the fulfilment ? Verses 25-28 ; Ps. 2 : 1, '2.

16.

In what thought did they find comfort ? Acts

4 : 24.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

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17; For what three things did they pray? Verses

29, 30.

18. What threefold answer was given? Verse 31.

Notes

"Being grieved;" Greek, "troubled all through," or

"thoroughly worked up." Probably most of the worshipers had

left the inner precincts of the temple, and were drinking in the

words of life preached by the apostles. "This preaching the

resurrection of Chiist, and that through His death and resur-

rection He would finally bring up all the dead from their graves,

deeply stirred the Sadducees. They felt that their favorite doc-

trine was in danger, and their reputation at stake. Some of the

officials of the temple, and the captain of the temple, were Sad-

ducees."—"Spirit

of Prophecy," volume 3, page 278.

This was the supreme council of the Jewish nation, the

Sanhedrin. It was composed of seventy-one members, and sat

in a semicircle of which the high priest was the central figure.

Both Sadducees and Pharisees were members at this time. Annas

was acting high priest, though he had been deposed, and Caia-

phas his son-in-law appointed by the Roman authority. See Luke

3:2; John 11:49; 18:13. Of John and Alexander we know noth-

ing. They were probably prominent relatives of the high priest.

"In that very room, and before those very men, Peter had

shamefully denied his Lord. All this came distinctly before the

mind of the disciple, as he now appeared for his own trial. He

had now an opportunity of redeeming his former wicked cow-

ardice.

"The company present remembered the part Peter had, acted

at the trial of his Master, and they flattered themselves that he

could be intimidated by the threat of imprisonment and death.

But the Peter who denied Christ in the hour of His greatest

need, was the impulsive, self-confident disciple, differing widely

from the Peter who was before the Sanhedrin for examination

that day. He had been converted; he was distrustful of self,

and no longer a proud boaster. He was filled with the Holy

Spirit, and through its power he had become firm as a rock,

courageous, yet modest, in magnifying Christ. He was ready to

remove the stain, of his apostasy by honoring the name he had

once disowned."—"Spirit

of Prophecy," volume 3, page 279.

Christ's promise of Matt. 10:19, 20, was fulfilled that day.#

In accordance with later direction in his epistle (1 Peter

2:17) Peter here showed due regard to his renowned audience,



SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

but being filled with the Holy Ghost he does not fail to declare

the whole counsel of God, and he and John are not slow to tell

the Sanhedrin what attitude the disciples must sustain toward the

demand not to preach Christ.

LESSON VI.— True and False Giving

FEBRUARY 11, 1911

LESSON SCRIPTURE

: Acts 4:32 to 5:11.

LESSON HELPS: "Testimonies for the Church," volume 5,

pages 148-157;

Sabbath School Worker.

PLACE: Jerusalem.

PERSONS: Apostles, disciples, Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira.

Questions

UNITY AND SELF-SACRIFICE IN THE CHURCH

What is the Lord's desire for His people? John

17 : 21-23 ; Phil. 1 : 27 ; 2 : 2 ; Ps. 133 : 1.

How was this fulfilled in the Jerusalem church ?

What caused this condition Acts 4 : 31, 32.

What power accompanied this spirit of unity

and love ? Verse 33.

How did this spirit of love for each other, and

consecration to God's work, lead them to look upon

their material possessions? Verses 32, 34, 35. Note 1.

What special example of benevolence is men-

tioned? Verses 36, 37. Note 2.

JUDGMENT ON HYPOCRISY

What was the sin of Ananias and Sap phira ?

Acts 5 : 1-4, 7-9. Note 3.

How was this great sin punished? Verses 5,

6, 10.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



How did this judgment affect the church and

others ? Verses 5, 11. Note 4.

LESSON FOR THE OH U.KUH

DAY

What is one of the prevailing sins of the last

days? 2 Tim. 3: 2; Luke 12 : 15.

10.

What true picture of this time does Isaiah give?

Isa. 1 : 23 ; 5 : 8.

11.

What do those who put their confidence in

riches really do ? Job 31: 24, 25, 28 ; Mark 4 : 19.

12.

What are we to do with the wealth which God

gives us ? Prov. 3 : 9 ; Mal. 3 : 8, 10.

13.

What great task is waiting for the chnrch to.

finish ? Mark 16 : 15 ; Matt. -24 :14.

14.

What then is one great deception of Satan . to

destroy the Christian experience of those who know

the truth, and to hinder the finishing of the gospel

work ? Note 5.

Notes

1. "Great numbers had collected at Jerusalem to observe the

sacred feast. The exciting scenes of the crucifixion and resur-

rection had called out a much larger number than usual. When

the truth taught by the apostles was brought suddenly and with

convincing power before them, thousands were converted in a

day. These early believers were most of them immediately cut

off from family and friends by the zealous bigotry of the Jews.

Many of the converts were thrown out of business, and exiled.

from their homes because they followed the convictions of their

consciences, and espoused the cause of Christ. It was necessary

to provide this large number, congregated' at Jerusalem, with

homes and sustenance. Those having money and possessions

cheerfully sacrificed them to the existing emergency. Their

means were laid at the feet of the apostles, who made dis-

tribution to every man according as he had need; and there were

none among them who lacked.'_

—"Spirit of Prophecy," volume

3, pages 282, 283.



SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

"This was the effect of the pouring out of the Spirit of

God upon the believers. It made them of one heart and soul.

They had one common interest — the success of the mission in-

trusted to them. Their love for their brethren, and the cause ,

which they had espoused, was far greater than their love for

money and possessions. They acted out their faith, and by their

works testified that they accounted the souls of men of far

greater value than any earthly heritage."—"Spirit

of Proph-

ecy." volume 3, page 283.

"Ananias and Sapphirn. coveted popularity and high posi-

tion which they saw those enjoying who had thus given all they

possessed to their brethren and were spending their lived in the

services) of the gospel. But this popularity came high; it would

cost them their Possessions. And such a price they were un-

willing to pay. So they tried to get it by means of hypocrisy.

They pyofessed to give all that they had received for the piece

of property which they had sold.x Hypocrites are a hindrance

to any good movement. The better the movement, the greater the

danger from such people, and the more injurious are their pres-

ence and influence. A few individuals of such character, who in

this way had got leading positions in the yonng church, could

have ruined it. The danger was great, the remedy severe."—

Thatcher, "History of the Apostolic Church," page 80.

. 4.

Though the punishment was severe, it was just, and spared

the infant church from greater sorrow. It caused them to have

greater awe in Cod's presence and greater reverence 'for the

Holy Spirit. It led to careful living, to searching of heart

lest

they might he deceived. Tt also caused those who were not Chris-

tians to realize the terrible nature of sin, and to understand the

heart-searching presence of God. Those who were not sincere

were kept out of the church, and many who were longing for

power for right living were added to the church.

5. "As the people of God approach the perils of, the last days.

Satan holds earnest consultation with his angels as to the most

successful plan of overthrowing their faith



He directs

his angels to lay their snares especially for those who are look-

ing for the second advent of Christ, and endeavoring to keep all

the commandments of God. Says the great deceiver: .



`Go, make the nossessors of lands and money drunk with the

cares of this life. Present the world before them in its most

attractive light, that they may lay up their treasure here, and

fix their affections upon earthly things. We must do our utmost

to prevent those who labor in God's cause from obtaining means

to use against ns. Keep the money in our own ranks. The more

means they obtain, the more they will injure our kingdom by

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



taking from us our subjects. Make them care more for money

than for the upbuilding of Christ's kingdom and the spread of

the truths we hate, and we need not fear their influence; for we

know ti.at .very•s.slall

cGvatauz,



.11



u n-der ollr power,

and will finally be separated from God's people."'—"Spirit

Prophecy," volume 4, pages 337, 339.

LESSON VII.— The Prison Opened; Counsel of

Gamaliel

FEBRUARY 18, 1911

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 5:12-42.

LESSON HELPS:

Sabbath School Worker.

PLACES: The temple, hall of the Sanhedrin, prison, and homes

in Jerusalem.

PERSONS: Angel of the Lord, apostles, multitude from outside

Jerusalem, sick folks, priests, rulers, officers, and Gamaliel.

•

Questions

PROGRESS OF THE WORK AND FURTHER CONFLICT WITH

THE RULERS

Following the judgment of Ananias and Sap-

phira, what special marks of progress are noted?

Acts 5 :12-14.



•

Describe the work of healing. Verses 15, 16.

What was the feeling of the ruling classes con-

cerning this work? What did they do? Verses 17,

18. Note 1.

By what means were the apostles again per-

mitted to teach? What commission did the angel give

them? Verses 19, 20.

Note 2.

How were the rulers made aware of what had

happened? Verses 21-25. Note 3.



SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

- 6. What was done? Verse 26.

With what were the apostles charged ? Verses

27, 28. Compare Matt. 27 : 25.

What reason was given for not obeying their

former commands? Acts 5 : 29. Note 4.

What facts were stated? Verses 30-32.

10.

What effect did Peter's discourse have upon the

council ? Verse 33.

11.

Who gave advice to the council ? What did he

say ? Verses 34-39. Note 5.

12.

What did the council do to the apostles? How

did the apostles take the punishment? Verses 40, 41.

13.

How did the apostles' actions accord with the

command of the council? Verse 42. Note 6.

Notes

The Sadducees seem to have been the leaders in this per-

secution. According to Josephus, most of the higher class were,

skeptics or Sadducees, though the mass of the people were

Pharisees. The work of the apostles was very offensive to them.

It drew away their followers, and refuted their leading doctrine

that there was no resurrection. Matt. 22:23.

This was indeed a strong protest, against the actions of

those who taught that there was "neither angel nor spirit."

Acts 23:8.

"Note the marvelous accuracy of detail in St. Luke's nar-

rative. The Sanhedrin used to sit in the temple, but a few years

before the period at which we have arrived, four or five at most,

they removed from the temple into the city, a fact which is

just hinted at in the sixth verse of the fourth chapter, where

we are told that the rulers, and elders, and scribes were gathered

together in Jerusalem, that is, in the city, not in the temple; while

again in this passage we read that when the high priest came

and convened. the council and all the senate of the children of

Israel, they sent their officers to bring the prisoners before them.

These officers after a while returned with the information that

the apostles were preaching in the temple. If the Sanhedrin

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



were meeting in the temple, they would doubtless have learned

this fact as soon as they assembled, especially as they did not

sit till after the morning sacrifice, several hours after the apostles

appeared in the temple."—

Stokes, Acts.

"The apostles and early Christians acted on the principle,

that human governments forfeit their claim to obedience when.

they require what God has plainly forbidden, or forbid what He

has required. They claimed the right of judging for themselves

what was right and what was wrong; in reference to their re-

ligious duties, and they regulated their conduct by that decision.

. . . In applying this principle, it will be found that ,the

apostles in every instance abstained from forcible .resistance to

the public authorities. They refused utterly to obey the man-

dates which required them to violate their consciences, but they

endured quietly the penalties which the executors of the law en-

forced against them. They evaded the pursuit ,of their op-

pressors if they could, secreted themselves from arrest, left their

prisons at the command of God, yet when violent hands were

laid upon them, and they were dragged before magistrates, to

the dungeon, or to death, they resisted not the wrong, but 'fol-

lowed His steps, who, when He suffered, threatened not, but

committed Himself to Him that j udgeth righteously.!

"—"Haek-

ett's Commentary," Acts.

To have acted upon their passionate desire might have

brought them in conflict with the Romans, for the Sanhedrin did

hot have the power of capital punishment. Doubtless also it would

have stirred the great wrath of the people. Whatever Gamaliel's

personal opinion may have been, he was used of God to bring

victory to His cause. Bernard says: "Gamaliel is described in

Acts 5:34 as 'a Pharisee, a doctor of the law, had in honor with

all the people.' This description exactly corresponds with that-

given in the Mishna of Rabban Gamaliel I,, who died about

A.D.

57, and was at the height of his influence at the time of the

trial described in Acts 5. He belonged to the milder and more

liberal school of Hillel, whose grandson he is said to have been.

. . . He was the teacher of St. Paul."—"Smith's Bible Dic-

tionary,"

article Gamaliel.

We can not think of these Spirit-filled men as "profes-

sional" evangelists, yet preaching was decidedly their business.

In the temple (in Solomon's porch or portico) they seem to have

had daily services; and in the houses, and doubtless on the

street, in public and private, they spoke "to the people all the

words of this life." The apostle Paul said, "By the space of

three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with

tears." Acts 20:31.



SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

LESSON



Deacons Appointed; Arrest of

Stephen

FEBRUARY 25, 1911

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 6.

LESSON HELPS:

Sabbath School Worker.

PLACES: Meeting place of the Christians, and hall of the San-

hedrin in Jerusalem.

TIME: A.D. 34.

PERSONS: Widows of Grecian Jews, apostles, disciples, the

seven deacons, priests, foreign Jews, Sanhedrin council.

Questions

CHOICE OF THE SEVEN

1.. What threatened to mar the unity of the church?

Acts 6: 1. (The Revised Version reads "Grecian

Jews.")

What was done to adjust this matter? Verses

2-4:

What was to be the character of these men?

Verse 3. Note 1. •

Who were chosen? Verse 5.

How were they set apart for their work ? Verse 6.

PROGRESS OF THE WORK AND ARREST OF STEPHEN

What is stated concerning the progress of the

work at this time ? Verse 7.

What especially characterized the work of

Stephen? Verse 8.

How was his work opposed? Verse 9. Note 2.

What effect did Stephen's discourse have upon

those disputing with him? Verse 10.

10.

What was their next effort? Verses 11-13.

Note 3.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



11. What manifestation of the divine presence did

all the council see? Verse 15. Note 4.

Notes

These are qualifications for persons, chosen to any church

office, and they exalt the office. The business of the church as

well as the ministry of the Word should be done in the most

diligent and religious spirit. Phillips Brooks well said, Never

fear to do the smallest act with the highest motive.

This was a synagogue for foreign Jews —Libertines, Jews

and their descendants who had been Roman captives and who

had been freed by theii captors. " Tacitus speaks of 10,000

Libertine Jews."—

Lewin.

It is said that there were 460 syna-

gogues in Jerusalem.

The same accusation had been brought against Christ.

Matt. 26:61. Probably Stephen had taught the prophecies of

Daniel and Christ concerning the- destruction of Jerusalem, and

that the sacrificial service's had lost their meaning. But doubt-

less, like Paul, he could say; "Neither against. the law of the

Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cnsar, have

I offended anything at all." Acts 25:8.

These intolerant religionists were very jealous' for the

influence of Moses, yet they could not recognize. Christ, of whom

Moses wrote, or understand the glory that shone on Stephen's

face, such as that which had illuminated the face of Moses.

LESSON IX.— Stephen's Address before the

Sanhedrin

MARCH 4, 1911

LESSON SCRIPTURE:

Acts 7:1-29.

LESSON HELPS:

Sabbath School Worker.

PLACE: Hall of the Sanhedrin, Jerusalem.

TIME: A.D. 34.

PERSONS: Stephen, high priest, and Sanhedrin council.

Questions

PROMISES TO ABRAHAM

1. The charges having been preferred against



SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

Stephen, what opportunity was given him ? Acts

7 : 1. Note 1:

Give the opening words of his defense. To

what was Abraham called ? Verses 2, 3. Note 2.

Where did, he first settle? When did he move

on to the promised land ? Verses 2, 4.

What is said of God's promise and its fulfil-

ment? Verse 5; Heb. 11: 8-10, 13. See also Gal. 3: 16.

What was revealed to Abraham concerning his

posterity ? Acts 7 : 6, 7. Note 3.

What was given to Abraham ? Verse 8. Note 4.

BONDAGE IN EGYPT

How was the way prepared for the sojourn of

the children of Israel in Egypt? Verses 9, 10.

What were the circumstances which led to their

removal to that land?' Verses 11-14. Note 5.

How was the knowledge of and faith in the

promise of return to Canaan shown by the Israelites?

Verses 15, 16. Note 6.

10.

When, why, and how were the Israelites op-

pressed in Egypt? Verses 17-19 ; Ex. 1: 7-14, 22.

PREPARATION OP A LEADER

11.

How was Israel's future leader saved from de-

struction and educated ? Acts 7 : 20-22.

12.

When and how did Moses undertake to relieve

his people ? Verses 23, 24.

13.

Why was his leadership not accepted? Verse

25. Note 7.

14.

To what did this incident lead? Verses 26-29.

Note 8.

SABBATH-SCHOOL. LESSON QUARTERLY



Notes

The student should read the whole discourse carefully, and

endeavor to grasp its purpose and thought. It is a remarkable

defense. Had he offered an abstract defense against the charges,

he would doubtless have been stopped much sooner than he was.

Jewish history was a favorite thethe among the Hebrew. people.

To secure their attention, give time for their rage to subside,

and to show that their charges of his opposition to Moses and

the Jewish religion were not true, he gave a review of their

history, showing how it led to Christ and a spiritual religion not

confined to any one place, such as the temple.

Mesopotamia, "between the rivers," is doubtless used in a

general sense, including all the Tigro-Euphrates country. "Ur

of the Chaldees" has been identified with the mound Mugheir

in lower Babylonia, but has not been fully excavated.

In Jewish history the time of the sojournings• of their

fathers among strangers and amidst afflictions was counted from

the wanderings of Abraham to the exodus from Egypt. Abra-

ham was called out from his kindred and country to Canaan,

into which the Lord promised to lead his descendants; but on

account of the famine in the land he went down at once into

Egypt. Gen. 12:1-1.0. According to the chronology in the margin

(if the Common Version, this was B.C. 1921. Just four hundred

thirty years later, according to the same chronology, Israel went

out of Egypt. Ex. 12:40, 41, marginal date. Sometimes in

Scripture this period is referred to by even figures as four hundred

years.

This was God's everlasting covenant. "The covenant of

grace was first made with man in Eden, when after the fall, there

was given a divine promise that the seed of the woman should

bruise the serpent's head. To all men this covenant offered

pardon, and the assisting grace of God for future obedience

through faith in Christ. It also promised them eternal life on

condition of fidelity to God's law. Thus the patriarchs received

the hope of salvation. This same covenant was renewed to

Abraham in the promise, 'In thy .seed shall all the nations of

the earth be blessed.' This promise pointed to Christ. So

Abraham understood it, and he trusted in Christ for the for-

giveness of sins. It was this faith that was accounted unto him

for righteousness."—"Patriarchs

and Prophets," page 370:

In Gen. 46:26 it is stated that the number of Jacob's

house wlio went down with him into Egypt was sixty-six, "be-

sides Jacob's sons' wives." Stephen is counting not the di-

rect descendants only but also the "kindred," and so includes

the wives, making seventy-five as the total family.



SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

Though Jacob and the twelve patriarchs died in Egypt,

they believed God's promise of deliyerance, and desired their

bones to be buried in the land of Canaan. Jacob was buried with

Abraham at Machpelah (Gen. 50:13). The words in verse 16,

of Stephen's address, refer to the twelve patriarchs —"our

fathers — mentioned in the closing words of the preceding verse.

We have only the account of the carrying of Joseph's bones to

Sychem for burial (Joshua 24:32), but evidently at some time

the other eleven patriarchs were likewise buried there by their

posterity.

" They were not yet prepared for freedom. . . . In

slaying the Egyptian, Moses had fallen into the same error so

often committed by his fathers, of taking into their own hands

the work that God had promised to do. It was not God's will

to deliver His people by warfare, as Moses thought, but by His

own mighty power

that the glory might be ascribed to Him

alone."—"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 246, 247.

"Moses was not prepared for his great work. He had

yet to learn the same lesson of faith that Abraham and Jacob

had been taught,— not to rely upon human strength or wisdom,

but upon the power of God for the fulfilment of His promises.

And there were other lessons that, amid the solitude of 'the

mountains, Moses was to receive."—"Patriarchs

and Prophets,"

page 247.

LESSON



Stephen's Address before the Sanhe-

drin (Continued); Stephen Stoned to Death

MARCH 11, 1911

LESSON SCRIPTURE:

Acts 7:30

60.

LESSON HELPS:

Sabbath School Worker.

PLACE: Hall of the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem, place of execu-

tion outside the city.

TIME: A.D. 34.

PERSONS: Stephen, Sanhedrin council, Saul.

Questions

DELIVERANCE FROM EGYPTIAN BONDAGE

1. When, where, and how did the Lord call Moses

to the deliverance of Israel? Acts 7 : 30-34.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



At whose command, then, and by what power,

did Moses deliver Israel? Verse 35; Num. 20: 16.

MOSES' PROPHECY AND THE IDOLATRY. OF ISRAEL

Of what other leader did Moses prophesy?

Acts 7 : 37; Deut. 18 : 15, 18, 19; Acts 3: 22.

What honors and privileges had been accorded

to -Moses? Acts 7:38. Note 1.

What, however, had been the attitude of the

fathers toward him? Verse 39.

Notwithstanding all the manifestations of God's

power and love, what did they do? Verses 40, 41.

What prophecy was rehearsed which portrays

their idolatry and its result? Verses 42, 43. Note 2.

THE PLACE OF GOD'S DWELLING

Why were they the more inexcusable for ,their

idolatry? Verses 44, 45. Note 3.

By whom was a permanent temple planned and

built? Verses 45-47.

10.

To what, however, could God not be confined?

Verses 48-50;

1 Kings 8 : 27; Isa. 66 : 1, 2.

STEPHEN'S ACCUSATION OF THE JEWS AND HIS MARTYRDOM

11.

Breaking away from the' chain of history, of

what did Stephen accuse his hearers? Acts 7: 51.

Note 4.

12.

What had they and their fathers done? Verse 52.

13.

What was their real attitude toward the law for

which they professed such veneration? Verse 53.

14.

What was the effect of these accusations on the

council? Verse 54.



SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

15.

In the midst of this tumultuous scene what vision

was' granted to Stephen? What did he say? Verses

55, 56.

16.

What did his infuriated judges do? Verses 57,

58. Note 5.

17.

What man who afterward became a prominent

worker for Christ, was present? What was his atti-

tude toward the killing of Stephen? Verse 58; 8: 1.

18.

What were Stephen's last words? Acts 7: 59, 60.

19.

By whom was he buried? Acts 8: 2.

Notes

In this and the preceding verse Stephen shows his hearers

that it was Christ who led the children of Israel; and that

Moses, whom they professed to follow, foretold His coming in

person as the Deliverer of His people.

"You have carried your idolatrous images about; and

I will carry you into captivity, and see if the gods in whom ye

have trusted can deliver you from My hands. Instead of 'be-

yond Babylon,' Amos, from whom the quotation is made, says

I will carry you beyond Damascus.

Where they were carried

was into Assyria and Media, (see 2 Kings .17:6) ; now, this was

not only

beyond Damascus,

but

beyond Babylon

itself; and, as

Stephen knew this to be the fact, he states it here, and thus more

precisely fixes the place of their captivity."—

Clarke's Com-

mentary.

The Jews were trusting in externals. Stephen doubtless

meant to show them that just as their fathers had with them

the "tabernacle of witness," a continual witness or proof of

God's presence, and yet went into idolatry, so they with the

temple and with even the Messiah among them had rejected God.

He had been accused of blasphemy against Moses, the law, and

the temple. He has shown.his respect for Moses and the law, and

now he shows that he had no intention of speaking with dis-

respect of the temple.

"Jesus" in verse 45 is the Greek form of the word Joshua.

See Heb. 4:8, margin.

"When Stephen had reached this point there was a tumult

among the people. The prisoner read his fate in the countenances

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



before him. He perceived the resistance that met his words,

which were spoken at the dictation of the Holy Ghost. He

knew that he was giving his last testimony. Few who read this

address of Stephen properly appreciate it. The occasion, the

time and place should be borne in mind to make his words convey

their full significance. When he connected Jesus Christ with

the prophecies, and spoke of the temple as he did, the priest, af-

fecting to be horror-stricken, rent his robe. This act was to ,

Stephen a signal that his voice would soon be silenced forever.

Although he was just in the midst of his sermon, he abruptly

concluded it by suddenly breaking away from the chain of

history, and, turning upon his infuriated judges, said, 'Ye stiff-

necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears,' "

etc.—"Spirit of

Prophecy," volume 3, pages 297, 298.



•

5. "At this the priests and rulers were beside themselves

with anger. They were more like wild beasts of prey than

like human beings. They rushed upon Stephen, gnashing their

teeth. But he was not intimidated; he had expected this. His

face was calm, and shone with an angelic light. The infuriated

priests and the excited mob had no terrors for him. 'But he,

being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into

heaven.' . . .

"The scene about him faded from his vision; the gates of -

heaven were ajar, and Stephen, looking in, saw the glory of

the courts of God, and Christ, as if just risen from His throne,

standing ready to sustain His servant, who was about to suffer

martyrdom for His name. When Stephen proclaimed the glo-

rious scene opened before him, it was more than his perse-

cutors could endure. They stopped their ears, that they might

not hear his words, and uttering loud cries ran furiously upon

him with one accord."—"Spirit

of Prophecy," volume 3, pages _

298, 299.

LESSON Xi.— The Gospel in Samaria

MARCH

18, 1911

LESSON SCRIPTURE

: Acts 8:1-25.

LESSON HELPS:

Sabbath School Worker.

PLACES: Jerusalem and Samaria.

TIME: A.D. 34.

PERSONS: Saul, Philip, people of Samaria, Simon, Peter,

and John.



SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

Questions

THE GREAT PERSECUTION

What immediately followed the death of Stephen?

Acts 8: 1. Note 1.

What did Saul do ? Verse 3; 26: 10, 11. Note 2.

What was the result of this 'persecution, on the

church? Acts 8: 1, 4; 11: 19. Note 3.

What other one of the seven deacons became a

preacher 7 and where did he go ? Acts 8 : 5. (See Acts

6 : 5; 21 : 8.) Note 4.

How did he labor, and with what success ? Acts

8 : 6, 7, 12. Note 5.

What was the effect of the reception of the gos-

pel in-Samaria? Verse 8. See Gal. 5 : 22.

What noted person professed conversion? Acts

8 : 9-11, 13.

When the apostles heard of the success of the

gospel in Samaria, what did they do? Verse 14.

Note 6.

What especially did Peter and John do for them?

Verses 15-17. Note 7.

SIMON REBUKED

10.

What request was made by Simon ? Verses

18, 19. Note 8.

11.

What were Peter's rebuke and admonition?

Verses 20-23.

12.

How did Simon show by his final request that

his heart was not right ? Verse 24.

•

13. How extensively was the work carried forward

in Samaria? Verse 25.

SABBATH:SCHOOL LESSON

QUARTERLY



Notes

"After the death of. Stephen the disciples were restrained

in their active ministry, and many of the believers • who had

temporarily resided in Jerusalem now retired to their distant

homes because of the violent persecution against them. But

the apostles dared not leave Jerusalem till the Spirit of God

indicated it to be their duty to do so; for Christ had bidden

them to first work in that field. Although the priests and rulers

bitterly persecuted the new converts, they did not venture for a

time to arrest the apostles, being overawed by the dying testimony

of Stephen, and realizing that their course with him had injured

their own cause in the minds of • the people."—"Spirit

Prophecy," volume 3, page 300.

" The Romans alone had the power of life and death.

The Sanhedrin, by whom Saul was employed (chapter 26:10),

could do no more than arrest and imprison, in order to inflict

any punishment short of death. It is true, St. Paul himself says

that some of them were put to death (chapter 26), but this was

either done by Roman authority, or by what is called the judg-

ment of zeal; i.

e.,

when the mob took the execution of the laws

into their own hands, and massacred those whom they pretended

to be blasphemers of God."—

Clarke's Commentary.

The means by which the enemies of Christ sought to crush

the gospel, were the means of scattering it, and "those holy

fugitives were like so many lamps lighted by the fire of the Holy

Spirit, spreading everywhere the sacred flame by which they

themselves had been illuminated."

From now on, in the book of Acts, we see the Lord

leading the disciples out toward the peoples and nations round

about. They were tempted by their national prejudices and nar-

row vision to settle down at home and work only for their own

people. But, as we learned in the first chapter, the Lord's com-

mand was that they should witness "both in Jerusalem, and in

all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the

earth."

Jesus said, when in Samaria with His disciples, "One

soweth and another reapeth." Philip was now reaping the

harvest from seed sown in that two days' ministry by the

Master.

"The apostles sent Peter; he was their messenger, not

their master."—

Lindsay.

John at one time wanted to call down fire on the Samar-

itans. Now he seeks to bring them the baptism of the Holy

Spirit.



SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY

8. The crime of Simony is named from Simon. It means

the obtaining of preferment or office in the church by the pay-

ment of money. It was very common in its worse forms in the

Dark Ages. Simon doubtless thought to purchase the gift in

order to exercise its powers to gain selfish honor or to make

money by it. The gifts of God's Spirit and power are not given

to advance any one's selfish desires or commercial interests.

LESSON NIL—Review

MARCH 25, 1911

LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts 1 to 8:25.

PLACES : Jerusalem and Samaria.

TIME: A.D. 31-34.

PERSONS: Apostles and the other followers of Christ, Jewish

leaders and people, people of Samaria.

ASSIGNMENT

The book of Acts may be divided into three periods: (1)

Organization (chapters 1 to 7). (2) Transition (chapters 8 to

12). (3) Expansion (chapters 13 to 28). We have covered the

first of these periods. Endeavor now to fix thoroughly in mind

the facts and lessons of the chapters studied. Review the chap-

ters until you can

think through

the story and readily give the

main topics.

Questions

Name the principal topics of Acts 1. What two

promises were made the disciples? What is essential

to the church in its work of witnessing to all the

world?

What are the three main divisions of Acts 21

To what did Peter appeal on the day of Pentecost as

proof of the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus?

What special lessons has this chapter for us under

the closing message



See Lesson 2.

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY



Give an outline of Acts 3. What further visible

evidence was given that Jesus was alive ? By what

great coming event did Peter exhort sinners to re-'

pentance ?

Name, in a few words, the chief events of Acts

4. What two spirits were at work, and with what aim ?

What are some of the lessons of encouragement in this

chapter for times of persecution?

Outline briefly the chief events of Acts 5. By

what agencies did God send deliverances to His chil-

dren?

What view of the church at work is given- in

chapter 6 ?

To what is the seventh of Acts devoted? What

was the purpose of Stephen's review of the history of

Israel ? What young man associated with Stephen's

death, later became also a witness and a martyr ?

By what means was the church hurried out from

Jerusalem to' bear the witness? What experience

showed that the gospel was not for the Jews only?

What do we find the apostles preaching on every

occasion ?— The word of God and the fulfilment of

prophecies relating , to their day, by which the death,

resurrection, .and saving power of Jesus were made

known to the people. What is meat in due season

for the people in our own day?

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•

(See next page also.)

Suggestive Division for Envelope Use

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The Name

Winning of Margaret

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Heralds of His Coming

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Elihu on the Sabbath

It Doesn't Pay

How Esther Read Her Bible

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Who Changed the Sabbath?

Back to the Old _Paths

NO. 5

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New Testament Sabbath

Thoughts for the Candid

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Rich Man and Lazarus

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Which Day and Why?

NO. 7

Seal of God

Is Man Immortal?

Sunday in a Nutshell

Signs of the End

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•

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